Single in Paris

Check out this article - there's even a name for this issue: solomangarephobia

http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/solomangarephobia/

Nobody else can predict how you are going to feel. But plenty of people go to Paris alone and enjoy themselves just fine. I did, a couple of times, and although there were many times that I would have enjoyed it more if I had had my sweetie along with me, she wasn't available (or, I didn't have a sweetie then). That didn't keep me away, and I didn't feel miserable. I enjoyed it.

Traveling alone is different in some (but not all) ways than traveling as a couple. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. When going solo, you get to make all the decisions (and have nobody else to blame). There's nobody to watch the bags while you duck into the rest room, nobody else to keep happy, no second opinions you need to consider (or benefit from), etc.

If you've never traveled solo before, it's hard to anticipate exactly how you would feel in Paris alone. I probably would not recommend it if you had just broken up with a lover and were very sad about that - all the "romance" of Paris might feel a little bittersweet (on the other hand, not everybody in Paris is a starry-eyed lover: you can find people arguing with each other and treating their partners like crap anywhere, so observing someone be a jerk to their partner at the Eiffel Tower might make you feel better about getting out of a relationship with a jerk!).

Bottom line: going solo is a mixed bag. Many people enjoy that, but it's hard for others to predict how you will react. Only one way to find out.

If you do decide that you want to go, don't let the fact that you're solo get you down. It's still Paris. Good luck either way.

When I've been to Paris (always alone) I haven't noticed any more couples than any other large city. Those have just been my experiences. Maybe I was just too into seeing the sights to really notice?? I don't know what emotional baggage you might be bringing with you either...after a big break-up I personally wouldn't want to go to what most people consider one of the most romantical cities on the planet. ;)

The stereotype seems to say that French women are classy and independent - and that attracts the guys. Maybe you can work that in your favor? =)

In keeping with today's airline misery rules, emotional baggage should be limited to one carry-on (or maybe just a one-gallon ziplock baggie?). ;)

Thanks for the input so far---don't worry, lost my emotional baggage several years back so not packing any more:)

In October, I'm going to Paris. I've been there many times by myself. I'd like to have someone to dine with at night, but I much prefer being by myself during the day. If your concern is sitting in a restaurant by yourself while most of the other diners are couple, I can tell you that others sitting near you will generally talk with you - at least some. I've had some really enjoyable conversations, but I've also had some times where the only person I spoke to was the waiter. I see it as an opportunity to focus on my food, the restaurant/cafe & to people watch. Having the days to myself is worth the minor inconvenience of being by myself in the evening.

I went to Paris on my own last January, after having gone there several times with other people. It was a fantastic experience. I never felt alone or out of place, among couples. (I think I even felt superior that I was doing exactly what I wanted to at all times!). I ate lunch in restaurants, and mostly was back in my room at dinnertime, but a couple of times I ate dinner myself at casual places and felt fine. I do however strongly suggest that you do a considerable amount of homework before your trip. Read good guidebooks, learn about the metro, the neighborhoods, the sights and of course how to deal with French people. You will have a great time.

I spent the last 4 days of my 5 month exchange alone in Paris and loved it. I had been with friends and family before, but didn't find being alone any less great. I was able to see a lot of things that were important to me, but perhaps other people didn't care as much to see, such as the Catacombs.

I liked being able to go as I pleased. I often grabbed a meal to go and ate it in a park people watching, but when I did eat at a cafe or bistro, I never felt out of place, there were lots of people by themselves.

Now this being said, I am an only child and am used to being independant and on my own. A lot of my friends couldn't imagine being by themselves for that long of a time, so only you will know how you will handle being by yourself.

If you want to met people consider staying at a hostel, where its easy to make fast friends.

Watch the movie "Paris, Je t'aime" that's on dvd now. The last vignette about a woman alone in Paris is especially poignant and touching.

Evelyn,

My last trip to Paris was "solo" and I had a great time! I was very focused on seeing as much as possible, so being "solo" allowed me to move about and react to changes quickly.

As far as "dining alone", I don't usually have a problem with that. Either I end up visiting with other travellers seated around me, or use the opportunity for some "quiet time" to get my thoughts organized and plan for the next day's touring.

Good luck and happy travels!

I am a single woman in Paris and I get on quite well day in day out. Streets are safe, it is not uncommon for women to be out alone - and I always get lots of attention from the waiters, bartenders etc.

http://troi.cc.rochester.edu/~tdip/tomsguidetoparis.htm

Hi Evelyn,
... I don't know about that, but I do know the above guide can be very helpful. If you still have questions, just ask Tom by email (on home page, click on 'Contact Me')... He lives in Paris ... bon appétit! P

Evelyn - I've been to Paris twice solo and have loved every minute of it. Paris is so magical it doesn't really matter if you're solo, or who you may be with. I had a fabulous time both trips. I soaked up every Paris moment I could and never really made it back to my hostel before 10pm each night, and sometimes later. I ate in restaurants frequently. People-watching is great fun in Paris especially. I also would go to grocery stores or take-away delis and have picnics in various parks. I never felt unsafe in Paris. The only thing is to fight off some of the men that have noticed you are solo. Unless you want some attention from the men ;) Have fun!